Work

Detection of changes in temperature extremes during the second half of the 20th century

Year: 2005

Type: article

Abstract: Since 1950, the warmest and coldest days and nights of the year have become warmer. Comparing these observations with climate model simulations in an optimal detection analysis shows a significant human influence on patterns of change in extremely warm nights. Human influence on cold nights and days is also detected, although less robustly, but there is no detection of a significant human influence on extremely warm days. In the future, extreme temperatures are expected to intensify considerably, with adverse consequences for human health.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2005gl023885

Authors: Nikolaos Christidis, Peter A. Stott, Simon Brown, Gabriele C. Hegerl, John Caesar

Institutions: Met Office, Duke University

Language: English

Topic: Climate variability and models

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK Government, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration